McLaren to launch 2011 Formula 1 car prior to the Jerez test session – Formula 1 news
The news from McLaren is that the new car, MP4-26, will be launched on Friday and will make its track debut in the Jerez test session.
The car will be launched in UK at McLarens factory for media presentation then it will be back in the factory for slight adjustments for the drivers before it hits the road in Jerez.
McLaren along with Force India, HRT and Virgin racing were the teams using old cars for Valencia testing. These teams had a point of view of testing the load and tyres for best combination prior to installing them in their new cars.
Lotus entered the session with old car but they launched their challenger T128 on Wednesday, second day in the test session.
McLaren used MP4-25 in the Valencia tests with both of their drivers Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button and also the test driver Gray Paffett getting the taste of Pirelli tyres and new FIA rules.
Jenson Button said about the Pirelli tyres on the final testing day, “They [Pirelli] obviously work in a different way to last year’s tyres.”
Jenson is committed to do well and the new Pirelli tyres will suit him.
Collectively, McLaren’s 2010 car, MP4-25, ran 279 laps on three days and gave the engineers with enough reading to set the best combination of tyres and fuel load in the new MP4-26 before the car makes it to Jerez.
The news from the McLaren is that Hamilton will try out the new car before handing it over to Button.
Another interesting fact surrounding McLaren team is their extended deal with the UK banking giant Santander until the 2013 season. This year the bank’s name will make its way on Hamilton and Button’s helmets as well.
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